Harper’s Story

Harper

I am a Black Labrador born on 21 March 2002. Very early in my life I was identified as a potential guide dog. After spending 14 months with my “puppy raising family” in Coogee, I began my guide dog training.

After graduating in September 2003 with first-class honours, I began my working life with my “Mum” Lindy. The last few years with Lindy have been extremely exciting and my Paralympics Games exposure has made me the envy of many other Guide Dogs.

I love food, sleep and getting plenty of attention whenever I am out working with my “Mum” Lindy.

Lindy dreams of standing on the Paralympics Games winner’s podium, while I’m dreaming about my next great meal.

Lindy was able to fulfil her dream at the 2004 Athens Paralympics Games by winning 1 Gold medal, 2 Silver medals and 1 Bronze medal for tandem cycling. I, on the other paw, continue to dream of great tucker.

Since Lindy’s success, I have been in the spotlight attending media & official functions and I also spend a lot of my time with the general public whenever I am out working with Lindy.

There is no doubt that, while Lindy is busy fulfilling her Paralympics dream, I will continue to be in the media spotlight.

We invite you to Share Our Dream.

From Lindy Hou:

Harper has been my companion and helper for the last eleven and a half years and was a loyal and true friend.

He passed away peacefully on Wednesday, 17 June 2015 after a short bout with pneumonia.

This poem sums up my feelings:

Near this spot are deposited the remains of onewho possessed beauty without vanity,strength without insolence,courage without ferocity,and all the virtues of man without his vices.

This praise, which would be unmeaning flattery if inscribed over human ashes,
is but a just tribute to the memory of Harper, a dog, who died in Canberra on 17 June 2015.